SuperSaw - 8bit Firmware

This 8bit firmware generates sawtooth wave with an additional octave-down sawtooth wave for rich timbral possibilities.

It supports notes via MIDI or use the CV1 to control the note/frequency of the main oscillator. The detuned oscillator always runs at one octave below the main oscillator.

Features#

• Dual Sawtooth Oscillators: Main oscillator and octave-down oscillator
• Switchable Control Mode: Choose between CV or MIDI control for the frequency/note
• CV Inputs:
  • CV1 for frequency control
  • CV2 for mix volume of the second oscillator
• MIDI Input: Full MIDI note control with gate output
• LED Indicator: Visual feedback of the frequency input method (ON: MIDI, OFF: CV1)
• Gate Output: Triggered by MIDI note-on events
• Frequency Range: 20Hz to 500Hz fundamental frequency

Installation#

8bit contains a ATTINY 1616 MCU. To program & install the firmware follow this guide.

The firmware is located at modules/8bit/code/supersaw in the code repository.

Controls#

Mode Button (TOGGLE_PIN)#

The mode button toggles between two control modes:

• CV Control Mode (LED OFF): In this mode, the frequency is controlled by the CV1 input
• MIDI Control Mode (LED ON): In this mode, the frequency is controlled by incoming MIDI note messages

Press the button to switch between modes. The LED will indicate the current mode.

CV Inputs#

CV1 (Frequency)

• Function: Controls the frequency of the main sawtooth oscillator
• Range: 20Hz-500Hz
• Active: Only when in CV Control Mode (LED OFF)

CV2 (Octave-Down Volume)

• Function: Controls the volume/mix level of the octave-down sawtooth oscillator
• Active: Always active regardless of control mode
• Behavior: Changes to CV2 beyond a threshold of 5 units will update the volume

MIDI Control#

The module responds to MIDI input when in MIDI Control Mode (LED ON):

• Note On:

  • Sets the oscillator frequency based on the MIDI note number
  • Activates the gate output (HIGH)
  • The frequency is calculated using the standard MIDI note to frequency conversion

• Note Off:

  • Deactivates the gate output (LOW)
  • Does not change the frequency (allows for legato playing)

• Control Change:

  • Currently not implemented, but the framework is in place for future expansion